as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential
Kimmie Slip-On Sneakers Slip-on sneakers make for the perfect everyday kicks and this Kimmie style is the quintessential pair.
—
Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Linda becomes her husband’s unyielding defender as the tortured Biff — once the quintessential American boy — develops into a Knight of the Mirrors against his father’s Quixote, the adversary who tries to force the dreamer to encounter his own reflection.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Attending a joust is one of the quintessential renaissance festival experiences.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
This was supposed to be a quintessential story of what Kansas City can expect this summer during the 2026 World Cup.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Linda becomes her husband’s unyielding defender as the tortured Biff — once the quintessential American boy — develops into a Knight of the Mirrors against his father’s Quixote, the adversary who tries to force the dreamer to encounter his own reflection.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Attending a joust is one of the quintessential renaissance festival experiences.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
This was supposed to be a quintessential story of what Kansas City can expect this summer during the 2026 World Cup.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
-
These cupcakes are a more approachable way to serve up the flavors of the classic layer cake with a little less fuss.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
-
His choreography, recreated from his work on the show, delivers big, bold, classic Broadway dance sequences that feel ripped from another era in the best way.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Servers are dressed in exemplary white button-up shirts, black vests and bistro aprons.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Besides being a record of events, the work is a crafty portrayal of kingship, presenting Akbar in an adulatory tone, as an exemplary and divinely favored ruler.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If a plan sounds too perfect, look at the details to ensure none of them have been overlooked.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Lightweight and breathable, this set is perfect for exploring new places or enjoying a leisurely afternoon.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Billy Idol, their frontman, was a member of the Bromley Contingent, an influential cluster of Pistols acolytes on the early punk scene, alongside Siouxsie Sioux and the archetypal model Soo Catwoman.—
Alex Robert Ross,
Pitchfork,
5 Apr. 2026
-
This archetypal hamburger and shake joint, founded in September 1956, initially had a long counter and about four tables.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But measurement collapses this superposition, yielding one definitive outcome.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The announcement also comes with details on a plan to upgrade Ocean Cay, though a definitive timeline was not included.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His excellent size-speed combination, and aggressive downhill style creates disruption and turnover chances.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Another excellent option for sandy soil that Sing recommends is Russian sage (Salvia yangii).—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
